More performance for Audi RS 6 and RS 7

Audi's hottest RS models are now ever hotter. Yes, just when you thought the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback couldn't get any more potent, Audi Australia has introduced even more ferocious 'performance' versions of the A6-based wagon and A7-based hatchback.

The new RS flagships don't come cheap, with the RS 6 performance priced at $245,400 and the RS 7 performance costing $258,000, meaning they are respectively $15,790 and $16,390 more than the models they replace (at least in Australia; both models are additional in Europe).

The performance of both 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic models increases meaningfully, however, in terms of both engine output and acceleration, and both can be optioned with 280km/h and 305km/h top speeds.

Now outputting a mammoth 445kW of power (up from 412kW) and 750Nm of torque in overboost mode (up from 700Nm), the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in both models makes them not only the fastest Audis this side of the new R8, but also the quickest and most powerful.

Both the RS 6 and RS 7 performance models now hit 100km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds (down from 3.9), and both consume 0.1L/100km more fuel at 9.7 and 9.6L/100km respectively. The Euro 6 emissions-compliant V8 is aided by idle-stop and cylinder-on-demand (CoD) technologies in addition to the standard eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

More power and pace aren't the only upgrades. Both performance models gain 42mm wider wheel-arches wrapped around 21-inch titanium-look alloy wheels with 285/30 tyres (RS 6) or 275/30 tyres (RS 7).

On the cosmetic side, there are revised bumpers with larger intakes, a new profile for the rear diffuser insert, a gloss-black honeycomb grille, flared side sills and more titanium-look finishes for the grille, front spoiler and air intakes, mirror caps, window surrounds and rear diffuser.

Extra standard equipment extends to Matrix LED headlights and dynamic turn indicators all round, and the no-cost option of the Audi exclusive package comprising Alcantara/Valcona leather with marcato blue honeycomb stitching and carbon-fibre blue twill inlays. A new Ascari blue exterior paint colour is also available by special order.

The standard equipment list extends to quattro all-wheel drive with a self-locking crown gear centre differential, quattro sports rear diff, torque vectoring, RS adaptive air suspension and variable damping via the four-mode Audi Drive Select system.

Also standard is the switchable RS sports exhaust, digital TV and DAB radio, head-up display, Audi parking system plus with front, rear and 360-degree view, park assist, glass sunroof (panoramic on RS 6), RS leather-clad three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel, powered tailgate with gesture control and Driver Information System.

Naturally, there’s a host of optional extras, including a no-cost matt-aluminium (instead of matt-titanium) exterior styling package, a black styling package ($2200) and a carbon styling package ($8500), which extends to the roof rails in the RS 6 wagon.

There's also a no-cost RS design package bringing RS sport seats in Alcantara/leather with honeycomb quilting in blue stitching, blue-stitched leather-clad front armrests, Alcantara door inserts, RS embossing on front seats, Audi exclusive leather covered controls in black with blue stitching and carbon-fibre inlays with blue twill.

For a further $4900 there's the Dynamic package with 20mm lower ride height, Dynamic Steering, RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), which replaces the standard air springs with steel springs and hydraulic diagonally-linked dampers and 280km/h speed-limiter.

Hang the expense and spend a cool $25,840 extra and you get the Dynamic package plus comprising ceramic brakes (a $20,940 stand-alone option), Dynamic Steering, RS sport suspension plus with DRC and a 305km/h speed-limiter.

You can also ask for red brake callipers ($980), privacy glass ($1200), crystal-effect paint ($1490), powered door closure ($1400), night vision ($4890) and a 1200-Watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system ($12,000).

“The Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback models have been extraordinarily successful in this current generation,” said Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle.

“However, discerning customers at this very top end of the luxury sports car market are always looking for an edge and the new Audi Sport RS performance models really offer a captivating combination of dynamic ability and individual design touches. These new models really stretch their legs ahead of the competition.”

 
2016 Audi RS 7 and RS 7 performance pricing (plus ORCs):
RS 6 Avant performance 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic — $245,400
RS 7 Sportback performance 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic — $258,000